Top 5 Solo Travel Hostels in the USA (Honest Review)

As a solo traveler, I love staying in hostels. I prefer to spend my budget on unforgettable experiences, delicious local street food, and spontaneous adventures rather than on a sterile, overpriced hotel room. This not only saves money but also makes traveling much easier. Unlike hotels that charge extra for every little convenience, the best hostels truly reflect the spirit of the destination. They foster a sense of community through free communal dinners, pub crawls, and social events, making it easy to connect with fellow travelers worldwide.

Whether you're planning a coast-to-coast road trip or a fun weekend city escape, I’ve put together my top 5 favorite hostels in the US. I’ve included what makes each one special, their must-have amenities, and the best local activities nearby.

Let’s go on an adventure, shall we?

1. The Lazy Tiger — Asheville, North Carolina

Have you ever met strangers who felt like close friends? Ever been on vacation and truly forgotten about the real world for a while? Those exact feelings inspired the creation of The Lazy Tiger.

Ryan, the founder, took a five-month sabbatical in South America after leaving corporate life. While in Chile, he stayed at Chili Kiwi Hostel in Pucón and realized hospitality was his true passion. Inspired by the impact of a well-run hostel, he spent four months visiting over 25 hostels in four countries, noting details from social room design to cozy bunks and homey touches.

That passion is built into every corner of The Lazy Tiger. When I stayed here, Ryan was an incredible host to chat with—he gave amazing local recommendations and invited me to join a local traveler WhatsApp group. Through that group, I connected with awesome people and ended up playing pickup sand volleyball at a really cool local spot, Highland Brewing! You can book your trip on their website and use my code LAZYTIGERBEL to save 5% on your stay!

Key Amenities

• Welcoming Host & Community: Direct local recommendations from Ryan and access to an active group chat for guest meetups and outings.

• Full Communal Kitchen: A spacious, fully equipped kitchen perfect for cooking shared meals and brewing morning coffee.

• Outdoor Spaces: A relaxing back patio designed for unwinding after a long day of hiking or socializing under the stars.

• Modern Comforts: High-speed Wi-Fi, air conditioning, custom cozy bunk setups, and inviting common lounges.

• On-Site Convenience: Free off-street parking, laundry facilities, and secure luggage storage.

What to Do Nearby

• Craft Beer & Sports: Grab a pint and play sand volleyball at Highland Brewing or explore the River Arts District craft beverage scene.

• Outdoor Adventures: Hike scenic trails, chase waterfalls, or go for a drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway.

• Historic Sights: Tour the historic Biltmore Estate or explore downtown Asheville’s live music venues and local artisan markets.

2. Hostel Fish — Denver, Colorado

I’ve been staying at Hostel Fish since 2020, ever since I spontaneously booked a room while riding the train into downtown from Denver International Airport. It instantly captured my heart, and I’ve kept coming back year after year.

What makes Hostel Fish so special—besides its unbeatable location in Denver’s LoDo district—is that every single stay brings a completely unique, magical experience. Some visits are defined by long, legendary nights making new friends at the on-site bar; other times, it’s about cozying up by the window with a good book, watching the snow fall over the city all day long. Whether you are looking for a rich, vibrant social life or just want a cozy spot to relax and just be, Hostel Fish strikes that perfect balance effortlessly. You can book your stay with Hostelworld.

Key Amenities

• On-Site Bar & Nightclub: Enjoy craft cocktails and local microbrews in-building, making nights out completely hassle-free.

• Prime LoDo Location: Situated right in Lower Downtown within walking distance of Denver's best dining, coffee shops, and train connections.

• Designer Sleeping Quarters: Privacy curtains, individual charging stations, reading lights, and secure locker storage at every bed.

• Chef's Kitchen & Lounge: A shared kitchen, coin laundry, high-speed Wi-Fi, and communal games (table tennis, darts, board games).

• 24-Hour Front Desk & Concierge: Organized pub crawls, group tours, and local activity planning.

What to Do Nearby

• Catch a Game: Walk just minutes to Coors Field to watch a Colorado Rockies baseball game.

• Explore LoDo: Walk to Union Station, 16th Street Mall, and Larimer Square for top-tier dining, coffee shops, and shopping.

• Day Trips to the Rockies: Take a short drive or shuttle to Red Rocks Park & Amphitheater for hiking or live outdoor concerts.

3. Lazy Lizard Hostel — Moab, Utah

For road-trippers, climbers, and national park enthusiasts, the Lazy Lizard Hostel in Moab is an iconic budget haven. Now, let’s be real—this isn’t your fanciest, most high-end hostel option like some of the boutique stays listed above. But it is undeniably the absolute best place to crash if you don't want to pitch a tent or shell out hundreds of dollars a night for a hotel in Moab.

I stayed here during the pandemic and had an entire cozy cabin to myself! One of the things I love most about Lazy Lizard is its versatility: whether you want to camp under the desert sky, rent a private cabin, or go for the traditional hostel bunk-bed experience, they have options for every style of traveler.

Fun Fact for Campers: If you're camping on nearby BLM land and just need a hot shower, you can drop by Lazy Lizard and pay around $3 or $4 to use their facilities, even if you aren't staying overnight! You can book your stay on their website!

Sadly, I do not have any pictures of this place.

Key Amenities

• Flexible Accommodation Options: Choose between outdoor campsites, private rustic wood cabins, or traditional shared dorm bunk rooms.

• Ultra-Budget Rates: Unbeatable Moab pricing that keeps your outdoor adventure affordable.

• Self-Catering Kitchen & Fire Pits: Fully equipped guest kitchen for prepping trail meals and an outdoor fire pit for swapping stories.

• Public Shower Access: Offers cheap pay-per-use hot showers for non-guests camping around Moab.

• Essential Comforts: Air conditioning (essential for Utah summers), free public Wi-Fi, and laundry facilities.

What to Do Nearby

• National Parks: Located just a short drive from the entrance of Arches Park and Canyonlands National Park.

• Extreme Sports: Rent a mountain bike for the world-famous Slickrock Bike Trail, go white-water rafting on the Colorado River, or try rock climbing.

• Stargazing: Experience some of the darkest, clearest night skies in the country.

4. Samesun Ocean Beach — San Diego, California

I’ve stayed at Samesun Ocean Beach twice now, and it’s quickly becoming another go-to staple for me right alongside Hostel Fish in Denver. What makes this place so special is its location—you’re just two blocks from the beach, and everything is within easy walking distance, including the stunning trail out to Sunset Cliffs.

My favorite part of staying here is spending time outdoors. You can lounge on a hammock with a book or kick back on the comfy couches chatting with travelers from all over the world. The only real downside is that there's a designated smoking area nearby that can get a bit annoying if you're sensitive to smoke, but otherwise, it’s an absolute gem of a place to hang out and soak in the California vibes. You can book your stay with Hostelworld.

Key Amenities

• Prime Beachfront Location: Located just two blocks from the sand and within walking distance of local spots like Sunset Cliffs.

• Relaxing Outdoor Lounge: Features hammocks and plush patio couches designed for reading, chilling, and mingling.

• Free Grab-and-Go Breakfast: Start your day with free breakfast, coffee, and juice.

• Social Events: Organized daily activities, bonfires, beach days, and night outings.

• Comforts: Air-conditioned dorms and private rooms, free Wi-Fi, laundry facilities, and 24-hour reception.

What to Do Nearby

• Beach & Sunset Views: Walk two blocks to Ocean Beach or take a scenic stroll along Sunset Cliffs Natural Park for incredible ocean views.

• OB Farmers Market: Visit the famous Wednesday evening street market for street food, live music, and local crafts.

• Explore San Diego: A short drive or bus ride takes you to Mission Beach, Balboa Park, and the San Diego Zoo.

5. HI USA — Boston, Massachusetts

Located in the heart of downtown Boston, HI USA Boston has a perfectly designed setup, whether you want to mingle with international travelers or chill by the cozy fireplace while braving the chilly Boston weather.

This hostel stands out for its wide variety of unique rooms and common spaces. You can hang out in room setups designed for giant oversized games, head to the quiet conference space to work or read a book from their little library, or sink into oversized bean bag chairs while streaming Netflix. It gives you the full flexibility of a lively social atmosphere paired with ultimate cozy comfort. You can book your stay with Hostelworld.

Key Amenities

• Fireplace Lounge: A warm, cozy fireplace area perfect for thawing out and relaxing on cold days.

• Diverse Common Spaces: Specialized rooms featuring oversized board games, a cozy Netflix lounge with massive bean bag chairs, and a quiet conference/library space for remote work.

• Included Breakfast: Enjoy a free continental breakfast every morning.

• Daily Free Activities: Free guided walking tours, museum trips, pub crawls, and group dinners led by local staff.

• Modern Rooms: Secure keycard entry, personal lockers, privacy screens, power outlets, and reading lights at every bunk.

What to Do Nearby

• Walk the Freedom Trail: Step outside and explore 16 historical sites detailing America’s revolutionary history.

• Green Spaces & Culture: Stroll through Boston Common and the Public Garden, or visit the Museum of Fine Arts.

• Dining & Entertainment: Explore Chinatown for food, catch a Broadway show in the Theater District, or grab fresh seafood at Quincy Market.

Final Thoughts

Hostel travel isn't just about saving money—it's about connecting with people, discovering hidden local gems, and creating memories that stay with you long after the trip ends. Whether you're relaxing on a hammock near Ocean Beach, sinking into a giant bean bag chair in Boston, or scoring a $4 shower after camping in Moab, these 5 hostels offer the perfect blend of community, comfort, and adventure! Let me know in the comments: which one piqued your interest? Let me know how your stay was!